Even though anyone who hires Keith Olbermann knows that his opinions come with him wherever he goes, ESPN is hoping to stop that. A report today claims that ESPN wants him to stop “commentary” if he signs a new contract.
According to a Hollywood Reporter report, Olbermann only has a two-year deal with ESPN to host ESPN2’s Olbermann. The contract expires in August and, should Olbermann want to re-sign, he would have to agree to stop including his commentary segment. THR reports that his on-air commentaries are vetted by ESPN before they air, but even these are still making ESPN management uncomfortable.
Another issue is that Olbermann has been highly critical of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Grantland creator Bill Simmons also criticised Goodell and ESPN declined to pick up his contract. This could also be a way for ESPN to cut back on spending. Operating income at Disney’s media networks dropped 2 percent in the second fiscal quarter thanks to ESPN’s high spending.
Deadspin’s source claims that contract talks between ESPN and Olbermann have practically broken down. A first round of talks earlier this year went well, but when ESPN added an anti-commentary clause, Olbermann backed away. The site’s source said that the talks are “95 percent” dead.
ESPN later tweeted that Olbermann “has never been told any topic is off limits for his commentary not has continuation of it been part of any conversation about his future at the company.”
screenshot from Keith Olbermann YouTube page